Pumping apparatus



Jan. 16, 1940. A. HOLLANDER EIAL PUMPING APPARATUS Filed JuIy 18, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 JMOLww/UJ W Jan. 16, 1940. A. HOLLANDER ET AL 2,186,972

' PUMPING APPARATUS Filed July 1a, 1958 7' Sheets-Sheet 2 -Illl.

5 i I\\ u, ZJ\ HUI" 5M! x w 5 H A $4 W m M. 7 no 4. l 0 3 PUMPING APPARATUS Fil ed July 18, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 55 Jan. 16, 1940. A. HOLLANDER ET AL PUMPING APPARATUS Filed July 18, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 G Ufa: can

Jan. 16, 1940. A. HOLLANDER ETAL 2,186,972

PUMPING APPARATUS Filed July 18, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 1940- A. HOLLANDER El AL 2,186,972

PUMPING APPARATUS Filed July 18, 1958 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jan. 16,1940. A. HOLLANDER ET AL PUMPING APPARATUS Filed July 18, 1938 7 Sheets-sheaf 1 Patented Jan. 16, 1940 PATENT OFFICE PUMPING APPARATUS Aladar Hollander and Waldemar F. Mayer,

Angeles, CaliL, assignors to Byron Jackson Huntington Park, Calii'., a corporation of Delaware Application July 18, 1938;.Serial No. 219,804

9 Claims.

This invention relates generally to hydraulic pumping apparatus and particularly to a multi-- cylinder diaphragm pump adapted'to be actuated y motive liquid supplied thereto under steady flow and steady pressure conditions.

A principal object of this invention is to provide a diaphragm pump particularly adapted to be actuated by a motive liquid (such as water) supplied by a centrifugal pump, to handle drilllli) ing mud used during the drilling of deep oil wells. As set forth in the copending application of AladarHollander, Ser. No. 197,139, filed Mar. 21, 1938, for Pumping apparatus, the pressure-volume characteristics of a centrifugal pump are admirably suited tothe pumping requirements in this service. Because of the abrasive nature of the drilling mud, however, it is not practical to handle it directly by a high-speed centrifugal pump. The hydraulic pump of the present invention is adapted to be interposed between the drilling mud, and the clear water handled by the centrifugal pump, as in the aforementioned application. A further object is to provide a multicylinder diaphragm pump wherein the diaphragms are successively displaced'in overlapping timed relation, by motive liquid under the control of a dis-- tributing valve. In a preferred form of the invention the distributing valve is actuated hydraulically by the motive liquid, suitable control means being provided to synchronize the rate of valve actuation with the rate of. displacement of the diaphragms.

-A still further object is to provide a hydraulic pumping system including a diaphragm pump, wherein the latteris actuated by motive liquid under pressure supplied by a centrifugal pump, and wherein the contractions, or suction strokes, of the diaphragm are effected by applying a positive head to the suction side of the pump.

Other objects will be apparent from the following description of several practical embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, whereinz Fig. 1 is a top plan view of one form of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a central vertlcallongitudinal section on line 2--2 of Fig. 1;

, Fig. 3 is a transverse section on line 3-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a transverse section on line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken .On

line 5-5 of Fig, 4;

Fig. 6 is a top plan viewof a modification of the pump shown in Figs. 1 to 5;

Fig. 7 is a vertical section taken on line 7-"! of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of another modifica- 6 tion;

Fig. 9 1s a vertical section taken on line 9-9 of Fi 8;

Figs. 10, 11, and 12 are horizontal sectional views taken on lines lfl-Jd, il-li, and i2-l2, 10 respectively, of Fig. 9; and

Fig. 13 is a schematic illustration of a layout of a complete pumping system according to this invention.

Referring to the form of the invention illusl5 trated in Figs. 1 to 5, the hydraulic pump is shown as of the triplex, horizontal type having three horizontally disposed cylinders i, 2, and 3 mounted on a base 4. At the right-hand end of each cylinder, as viewed in Fig. 2, a pump liquid 20 suction and discharge chamber 5 is provided, each chamber having an inlet valve 6 and a discharge valve 1. The valves associated with each chamber open and close in response to expansion and contraction of diaphragms in the 25 respective cylinders, to establish communication between the respective chambers 5 and a common suction header 8 extending transversely beneath the chambers (Fig. 3), and between the chambers and a common discharge header 9 30 above the chambers, Either end Ill or III of the suction header is adapted to be connected to a suitable source of liquid to be pumped, and a discharge outlet i i provides connection between the discharge header and a discharge conduit.

Disposed in each ofthe cylinders is a diaphragm assembly generally designated l5 (Fig. 2). In this instance the diaphragms are of the radially expansible bellows typ having fixed ends. The assembly comprises two pairs of end. 40 plates l8, l6 and I1, I 'l' secured respectively to opposite ends of a plurality oi spacer bars l8. An elongated sleeve 20 of rubber or other elastic material has its ends clamped between the end plates law and n, n', the plates n, n' being imperforate while plates i6, it are annular, de-

lining a central opening 2| for the admission of motive liquid to the interior of the diaphragms.

Each diaphragm assembly is supported centrally within its respective cylinder with its open 50 end adjacent the motive liquid end or the pump.

The end plate It fits within a recess in the end of the cylinder, a packing ring 22'being provided to form a fluid-tight joint between the cylinder and the end plate, thus isolating the interior of ically, by the alternate application of motive liqthe diaphragms from the cylinder space 28 outside the diaphragms. The periphery of the end plate I! .is cut away at intervals, forming passages 28 (Fig. 3) establishing communication between the suction and discharge chamber 5 and the cylinder space 23. The bore of the cylinder is reduced at the pump liquid end by an annular shoulder 28, forming a bore in which the end plate I! snugly fits. The valve housing 28 secured to the outer end of each cylinder has a plurality of fingers 2'', herein three in number, projecting inwardly in end abutting relation to the end plate ll, whereby the diaphragm assembly is securely supported against endwise movement when the valve housing is bolted to the end of the cylinder. A'plurality of small holes 28 are drilled through the annular shoulder 28, to prevent the cylinder becoming air-bound.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that if motive liquid is intermittently admitted to the interior of the diaphragms and exhausted therefrom through the opening 2|, the diaphragms will alternately expand and contract, and, if pump liquid is supplied to the suction header 8 at positive pressure, the pump liquid will enter the cylinder space 28 through passages 24 during contraction of the diaphragms, and will be forced therefrom during expansion.

Referring now to the means for alternately supplying and exhausting motive liquid from the diaphragms, a valve housing Si is provided at the motive liquid end of the pump, and, as shown in Fig. 4, is divided laterally into a plurality of vertically extending bores in which valves 82, 88, 84 are reciprocably mounted. A motive liquid inlet 35 communicates with each of the valve bores through a common passage 88. Passages 81, 38, 88 extend from the valve bores to the cylinders I, 2, and 8, respectively, communicating with the interiors of the diaphragms. At the lower ends of the valve bores is a common discharge chamber 48 having an outlet 4| through which spent motive liquid is returned to the source of supply.

The valves 32, 88, 88 are continuously reciprocated in their bores in predetermined sequence. between an upper position in which the cylinder port 81, 88, or 88 is cut oil from the supply passage 88 and is open to the discharge chamber 40, and a lower position in which the cylinder port is open to the supply passage 88 and closed to the discharge chamber. phase relationship between the valves is maintain by connecting them to a common crank shaft 85 by connecting rods 48, l1, l8.

Reciprocation of tip: valves is effected hydrauluid to the upper sides of pistons ii, 52, 58 secured respectively to stems on the valves 32, 88, 84.

Motive liquid is supplied to the pistons from the main source through a branch conduit 84, the supply being regulated in a manner to be hereinafter described. The conduit 54 leads to a valve chamber 85 in which is rotatably mounted a rotary distributor valve 56 secured to the crank shaft 45. As shown most clearly in Fig. 5, a plurality of passages 51, 88, 59 extend from the valve chamber 88 to the cylinders of the valve pistons Si, 82, 58, the rotary valve 58 admitting "motive liquid to the passages and exhausting liquid therefrom in sequence.

In order to regulate the volume of motive liquid flowing to the valve motor, and consequently the rate of actuation of the valves, in accordance with the rate of flow of motive liquid to the diaphragm's in the main cylinders, a flow respon- The predetermined sive regulator 8i (Fig. 2) is interposed between the main supply conduit and the branch conduit 54. The regulator is of the Venturi type, in which the position of a throttle valve 82 controlling the flow to the branch pipe 54 is controlled by the diiference in pressures at points 63 and 68 in a Venturi tube 65. Itis well lmown that this pressure difference is a direct function of the velocity of the main stream of motive liquid,

increasing with increased flow. The higher pressure at 83 is partially overcome by a spring 68, which yields when the pressure difference exceeds a predetermined amount, allowing the throttle valve 62 to admit more motive liquid to the valve motor.

It is essential for maximum efficiency and smoothness of operation that the rate of actuation of the main valves be synchronized with the rate of flow of motive liquid to the diaphragms; if the valve actuation is too rapid the diaphragms will not be permitted to expand fully before the motive liquid is cut off, and ii the valve actuation is too slow there will occur a delay between full expansion of the diaphragms and reversal of the respective valve. If the motive liquid is supplied by a centrifugal pump, and the pumping pressure varies materially, the volume will vary proportionately and a regulator such as that described is necessary.

In Figs. 6 and 7 we have shown a modification oi. the pump previously described. The modifications, however, are merely structural, this form also embodying the essential features of that Just described.

The pump is shown in this form as a threecylinder or triplex radio pump, having cylinders Ii, l2, 18 extending radially in equiangularly spaced relation. In each cylinder is mounted an axially expansible Sylphon bellows ll having a rigid end plate 18 in its movable end. In this instance the open end of the bellows is clamped between the outer end of the cylinder and a cap 18, the latter having a passage 11 therein communicating with a suction and discharge chamber 18 (Fig. 6) for pump liquid.

An annular suction header 8| extends from an inlet 82 circumferentially about the base of the pump, communicating with the respective chambers 18 through conventional suction valves beneath the valve covers 88, 84, 85. An annular discharge passage I88 is formed in the upper portion of the pump casing, communicating through branch passages 86, 81, 88 with the chambers 18 through conventional discharge valves disposed beneath the valve covers 88, 88, 8|, and having a discharge outlet 92.

The motive liquid distribution system is similar to that in the form previously described, and comprises radially extending valve bores disposed above the respective cylinders, one of the valves being shown in Fig. 1. The valve 32', corresponding to valve 82, of Fig. 4, is reciprocable in its bore between a right-hand position, as shown, wherein the interior of cylinder I l is in communication with a common discharge chamber 48' through passage 81', and a left-hand position wherein the cylinder is open to an annular motive liquid inlet passage 38. extending about the upper portion of the pump casing concentric with the pump liquid discharge passage 88. A motive liquid inlet 85 communicates with the passage A rotary valve 88' similar to valve 58 of Figs. 4 and 5 is rotatable about a central vertical axis, and controls the intermittent application'of mothis case to a common connecting rod bearing 4 45'. Motive liquid for actuating the valves is admitted through an inlet 54', through a regulator similar to the regulator 6| of Fig. 2, or an equivalent device.

Inasmuch as the operation of this form of the invention is identical with that of Figs. 1 to 5, further explanation thereof is deemed unnecessary.

In Figs. 8 to '12 a still further modification is disclosed, differing from the-two previously described forms mainly is structural details. In this form a plurality of cylinders IOI, I02, I03

30 are disposed vertically, being mounted on'a base I04 in which are'formed'pump liquid suction and discharge valves'and passages; An annular suction header I05 extends from a inlet I08 to chambers I01, I08, I09, beneath suction valves IIO, III, II2. As shown'in Fig. 11, the suction valves control communication between the suction header I05 and suction and discharge chambers H3, H4, H5 individual to the cylinders IOI, I02, I03, respectively. Disposed in planes above the chambers H0, II4, H5 is a common discharge header IIB (Fig. 10) communicating with the respective chambers through discharge valves H1, H8, H9. A discharge outlet I leads to the usual discharge conduit.

The plungers I in this form of the invention are radiallyexpansible Sylphon bellows as in Figs. 6 and 7, beingsecured in this case, however, to the motive liquid ends of the cylinders. Motive liquid is. alternately admitted to the interiors of the bellows and exhausted therefrom through conduits I28, I21, and I20 leading from a rotary distributing valve I20 rotatably mounted in a valve housing I 30. A motive liquid inlet I3I and an outlet I32 are connected to opposite sides of the valve. The valve is rotated by a small hydraulic motor I35 of the radial piston type, motive liquid being supplied thereto through an inlet I35 and discharged through an outlet I31.

The operation of this form is also similar to that of the two-previously described forms, and

,therefore detailed description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

,In Fig. 13 there is illustrated schematically a layout of a hydraulic pumping system employing a pump constructed in accordance with this invention for haiidling drilling mud during the drilling of a deep oil well by the rotary method. The pump I40 ,is shown for purpose ofillustration as of the type disclosed in Figs. 8 to 12, although it could as well be either of the two previously described types. Motive liquid for opcrating the pump is supplied in a steady stream from a multistage centrifugal pump I4I driven at constant speed by a steam turbine I42. Drilling mud is supplied to the suction header of the pump at a pressure suflicient to contract the pump diap iiiagms in the allotted line. from a low pressure centrifugal pump I43 driven by a steam turbine I 44. A mud suction line I45 extends from the mud'pit I46 .to the pump I43, and a mud discharge line I41 leads from the hydraulic pump I40 to the usual rotary swivel (not shown) suspended. in the derrick. The motive liquid is circulated in a closed circuit between the centrifugal pump I, the hydraulic pump I40, and a slgorage tank I48 through conduits I 49, I50, and

From the foregoing description of three preferred embodiments of the invention, the mode of operation and the advantages thereof will be apparent.

As distinguished from the usual diaphragm pump wherein pressure liquid is alternately forced against the diaphragm and withdrawn therefrom by reciprocation of pistons individual to each diaphragm, in the pump of this invention motive liquid is supplied in a steady stream from a source common to all of the diaphragms, and is distributed to the individual diaphragms in sequence by suitable valve mecha-, nism. The discharge pressure of the pumped liquid is therefore at all times that of the common motive liquid, and there isno possibility of leakage from individual closed circuits, as often occurs in diaphragm pumps of the type heretofore employed. In the last-mentioned type the discharge pressure is necessarily pulsating, since in the individual motive liquid circuits the pressure alternates from suction to full pressure. However, in the pump described herein the pressure remains steady, regardless of the extent of overlapping of the pumping strokes;

We claim:

l. Hydraulic pumping apparatus comprising a plurality of cylinders, diaphragm means in each of said cylinders dividing the latter into motive liquid and pump liquid compartments, a common source of motive liquid under pressure, valve means for alternately admitting motive liquid from said source to the motive liquid compartments of said cylinders and exhausting spent mo- .claim 1, including a common pump liquid inlet and means for supplying pump liquid to said inlet under initial pressure suilicient to expand said pump liquid compartments and discharge spent motive liquid from said motive liquid compartments.

3. Hydraulic pumping apparatus comprising a plurality of cylinders, plunger means in each of said cylinders dividing the latter into motive liquid and pump liquid compartments, a common source of motive liquid under pressure, valve means for alternately admitting motive liquid from said source to said motive liquid compartments and for exhausting spent motive liquidthereirom to move said plungers in opposite directions and ,thus vary the relative sizes of-said compartments pump liquid inlet and discharge connections to said pump liquid compartments, and means for supplying pump liquid to said inlet connections under initial pressure suflicient .to move said plungers in a direction to discharge spent motive liquid from said motive liquid compartments, and means for actuating said motive liquid valve means solely by motive liquid independently of movements of said plungers.

4. Hydraulic pumping apparatus comprising a plurality of cylinders, a movable partition in each cylinder dividing the latter into compartments, a common source of motive liquid at relatively high pressure, valve means for intermittently admitting said motive liquid in predetermined sequence to said cylinders on one side of said partitions to move the latter in one direction, a common source of pump liquid at relatively low pressure, and valve means for admitting pump liquid to said cylinders on the other side of said partitions to move said partitions in the opposite direction between intervals of admission of motive liquid, and means for actuating said motive liq uid valve means solely by motive liquid independently of movements of said partitions.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4, in which each of said partitions comprises an expansible diaphragm having flexible side walls, a closed end wall, and an open end communicating the interior thereof with one of said sources of liquid.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 4, in which each of said partitions comprises an expansible diaphragm having radially expansible side walls, and means for anchoring the ends of said side walls in relatively fixed relation.

of said plungers and for exhausting spent motive liquid therefrom, means actuated by said motive liquid for operating said valve means, a regulator associated with the motive liquid supply line to said valve operating means, said regulator being controlled by the flow oi motive liquid to said cylinders, and pump liquid inlet and discharge connections to said cylinders, on the other side 01' said plungers.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, in which said regulator is operable to automatically increase the flow of motive liquid to said valve operating means upon increase of flow of motive liquid to said cylinders.

ALADAR HOLLANDER. WALDEMAR F. MAYER. 

